Eurycoma Longifolia



It is a small evergreen tree growing to 15 m tall, with spirally arranged, pinnate leaves 20-40 cm long with 13-41 leaflets. The flowers are dioecious, with male and female flowers on different trees; they are produced in large panicles, each flower with 5-6 very small petals. The fruit is green ripening dark red, 1-2 cm long and 0.5-1 cm broad.

Uses

Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) has become popular for its alleged testosterone-enhancing properties. It has therefore been included in some herbal supplements for bodybuilders. Historically, it has been used by the folk medicine in its countries of origin as a libido enhancer and to treat various sexual dysfunctions. Numerous scientific studies performed by Malaysian scientists suggest that it enhances sexual characteristics and performance in animal models.

In Southeast Asia it is used as a post partum medication, as well as for its antimalarial, antipyretic, antiulcer, cytotoxic and aphrodisiac properties.

It is important to note that most if not all of the tests performed to date were by Malaysian scientists.The raw samples used were from roots of the Malaysian Eurycoma Longifolia species.

In both animals and humans, the extract increases muscle mass. The British Journal of Sports Medicine published the results of a scientific study in 2003, which showed that Eurycoma longifolia caused increased muscle strength and size when compared to a placebo. This demonstrates the anabolic properties of this herb. Thanks to this discovery, a growing number of Asian athletes and body builders now use the extract as an androgen, to improve muscle size and strength, and to enhance sports performance.